Bill Text: VA SJR229 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

Virginia Senate Joint Resolution 229 (Prior Session Legislation)

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Henry Thomas Grindstaff.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2012-03-14 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ229ER) [SJR229 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2012-SJR229-Introduced.html

12105633D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 229 Offered March 2, 2012 Celebrating the life of Henry Thomas Grindstaff. ---------- Patrons-- Smith and Newman ----------

WHEREAS, Henry Thomas Grindstaff of Troutville, a decorated veteran of World War II, a former school administrator, and a successful insurance agent, passed away on February 21, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a native of Inman, Virginia, Henry Thomas "H.T." Grindstaff joined the United States Army Air Corps in World War II; he was a member of the 387th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force, and later was part of the 15th Air Force in Naples, Italy; and

WHEREAS, H.T. Grindstaff flew 26 combat missions without leave; in recognition of his bravery and service, he was awarded several medals, including the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star; and

WHEREAS, while he was on active duty, H.T. Grindstaff kept a personal diary of his missions; his gunner's log now is on file at The Library of Virginia in Richmond and is a valuable resource for people who wish to learn more about the wartime service of Virginians; and

WHEREAS, after the war, H.T. Grindstaff earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Virginia Tech; he then taught school for two years before being appointed assistant superintendent of the Botetourt County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, in 1960, H.T. Grindstaff changed careers and joined State Farm Insurance Company; he was an agent in Daleville and retired after 31 years of service; and

WHEREAS, H.T. Grindstaff was active in his community and was a man of strong faith; he served as chairman of the Botetourt County Republican Party for four years, and he was a supporter of Child Evangelism Fellowship and The Gideons International; and

WHEREAS, H.T. Grindstaff was predeceased by Mary, his wife of more than 60 years; he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his children, Anita, Priscilla, and Sarah, and their families, and by many other family members, friends, and neighbors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an esteemed citizen and true patriot, Henry Thomas Grindstaff; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Henry Thomas Grindstaff as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.